I have been fortunate to travel to some foreign destinations during the past year. When visiting another country, I usually try to make the most of my time there and see places of interest and write up for some outdoor activities. Most recently I went trekking with a group of ten, through an area marked with valleys, hills, mountains, rivers and waterfalls. Some of the views were spectacular and some of the rivers and waterfalls provided idyllic locations for a well-deserved rest and refreshments. Carrying a backpack with basic necessities, we walked through the countryside but also had to cross rivers and climb our way up or down some steep rocky formations, holding on to tree roots and branches and rocks. Some of these passages were so challenging that I needed support from one of our guides. Our guides were real professionals who knew the landscape well and kept a close eye on us, lending a hand when necessary. Hopping from stone to stone to cross a river, I really needed such help, and my guide led me safely across with a firm grip and clear instructions where to step, avoiding slippery stones and maintaining my balance. At some point we faced a steep rock formation, which we had to climb down from. Our guide ensured us that we could do it, but he said that we had to believe in us as a team and more so, we had to believe in him and follow his instructions as we climbed down. As we could not always look down and see where to land our foot, we indeed had to listen carefully to his instructions where to hold the ridge of the rock and where to place our foot. There were a few more such challenges but we made it. Later that evening as we relaxed over dinner, I came to realize that without the help, support and instructions of our guide, I would perhaps not have made it. Mind you, the other trekkers were much younger than I, and needed less support, but at nearly 70 I could not have done it without. I then realized that at some point in life, and as we grow older, we come to depend on younger people, like our guide, and believe in their capability, knowledge and experience to lead us. I then realized again how important it is, during our lives and careers, to teach, coach and grow younger people, to eventually take over leadership. Letting go and leaning on younger women and men, becomes therefor an important challenge as we grow older; a challenge many find difficult to accept while clinging on to their position and responsibilities.

Next, I registered for paragliding, whereby one sits in a harness attached to a parachute. In tandem paragliding, you go together with the pilot, who operates the parachute to steer it into the right directions and to make it to a safe landing. I believe, it is done in Ethiopia as well, but I did this abroad. When all is secured, you run together down the slope of a hill or mountain, until the parachute catches the wind and carries you along. Before taking off, the pilot gave clear instructions how to run down the slope and most importantly, not to stop or hesitate at any moment, else we risk falling down the hill or the mountain. I had to confirm clearly that I understood the instructions and affirm that I would push on and not hesitate once underway. And so, we waited a few moments for the wind to pick up and off we went, running down the slope and then the parachute picked us up – we were flying! What an experience! Now it was possible to relax and enjoy the ride.

Even more than during the trekking, I depended on somebody else, who had the knowledge and experience, that I did not have. I had to fully trust this person, which I did as he gave me the feeling that he was fully in control and confident during the half hour we got to know each other, while preparing for take-off. But here another dimension came into play as well: he had to fully trust me as well and have the confidence that I followed his instructions without hesitations. Me failing, would put his life in danger as well. As we trusted each other, we were able to fly over the hills and along the coast, shooting pictures all the way, enjoying the ride and landing safely. What an experience!

Now, what both the trekking guide and the paragliding pilot had in common was that they knew what they were doing, were trained professionally, had the right equipment, and had the communication skills to give clear instructions. I could also see that they enjoyed what they were doing and were happy to provide their best services.

These are in fact the three basic essential qualities for anybody to do something right: knowledge, skills and motivation. And so, it is the responsibility of managers to equip workers or their staff, to teach and coach them on the way, so that they build enough confidence to takeover and for the manager to step back, let go, hand over and trust that the job will be done.

Ton Haverkort